The Blue Badge Scheme (Disabled Parking Permit)
The purpose of the scheme is to enable drivers with (or drivers of passengers with) severe mobility problems to park closer to where they need to go, and if in a designated area, allowing more space for ease of getting in and out of the vehicle.
The Blue Badge scheme operates all over the United Kingdom but there are some local differences with the operation of the scheme in certain London boroughs and other large towns or cities in the UK. And in Northern Ireland for example, the scheme applies to on-street parking but you can also get a "white badge" to access pedestrian zones. You should contact your local authority for the most up to date guidelines on Blue Badge use in your area.

Where you can generally park with a Blue Badge
As a Blue Badge holder you may park:
• on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, unless there is a ban on loading or unloading
• at 'on-street' parking meters and pay-and-display machines for free and for as long as they need to
• in disabled parking bays

Displaying your Blue Badge
You should display your badge where it can be clearly read through the windscreen of your vehicle with the front of the badge facing upwards showing the wheelchair symbol (or hologram in the new badge design).
When you receive your badge, you should also get a parking clock. The clock must be used if you park on yellow lines, or in a place with time restrictions and should:
• show the quarter-hour period when you arrived
• be displayed next to the badge

When parking consessions are not used
When you do not use parking concessions, Blue Badges need not be displayed and should be removed from view.

If you are required to show your Blue Badge
Law Enforcement officers allowed to inspect Blue Badges are:
• police officers
• traffic wardens
• local council parking attendants
• civil enforcement officers
If you are asked to show your Blue Badge the requesting officer should produce an identity card with their photograph on it to prove they are who they say they are.
If you are asked by one of the above to show your Blue Badge YOU MUST SHOW IT TO THEM. If you do not, you will be breaking the law and could be fined up to £1,000.
Enforcement officers must not take away a Blue Badge unless they are accompanied by a police officer.

Misuse of Blue Badges
Blue Badges are the property of local councils. They can be taken away from you if they are misused.
The Blue Badge is for your use only. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO LET OTHER PEOPLE USE YOUR BLUE BADGE. It is also an offence to park in an on-street Blue Badge parking bay without displaying a badge.
If you think that a Blue Badge is being misused you should:
• get as many details as possible from the badge on display
• report the matter to your local authority

Fine/Penalty
The maximum fine for someone convicted of misusing their Blue Badge is £1,000, plus any additional penalty for the related parking offence.
It is not illegal to remain in the vehicle with the badge displayed if you are a Blue Badge holder or waiting for the Blue Badge holder to return, however, you should consider using a car park whenever possible.
The Blue Badge Scheme does not apply to off-street car parks such as shopping centre car parks, though these car parks often provide specific bays for Blue Badge holders. Check any signs or notices before parking.
If you think people are unfairly parking in bays reserved for disabled people, report it to the car park attendants if possible, or if in a supermarket car park report it to the store manager.

Blue Badge use in London
The scheme does not apply in four central London boroughs, who offer their own parking concessions:
• City of London
• City of Westminster
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• part of the London Borough of Camden
You can find Blue Badge parking bays on the Blue Badge London map.

London Congestion Charge – Blue Badge Holders
Blue Badge holders do not have to pay the London Congestion Charge. You must register with Transport for London (TfL) at least ten days before your journey and pay a one-off £10 registration fee. The registration form can be downloaded from the Transport for London website, or telephone: 0845 900 1234 (and textphone: 020 7649 9123)

Blue Badge use abroad
The UK has agreed informal parking arrangements with other European Union (EU) countries so you may be able to use your Blue Badge abroad. Download the ‘parking card for people with disabilities in the EU’ booklet for more information.
In non-EU countries, take the badge with you and ask whether you are entitled to use it when you are there.

Disabled visitors to the UK
Disabled visitors to England cannot get a Blue Badge. However, if you live in an EU country you can use your equivalent parking card in the UK. If you are travelling from outside the EU, please check with the local authorities in the areas you want to visit to see if your country's parking card is recognised.
If you are visiting Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, different conditions may apply, as do some rules differ for different authorities throughout England.

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